Close X
Sunday, September 29, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. woman files lawsuit against Canadian government over terrorist label

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 29 Sep, 2017 10:09 AM

    A B.C. Supreme Court lawsuit accuses the federal government of maliciously supplying false information about terrorist-related activity to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation in order to secure lucrative military contracts for Canada's defence industry.

    Perienne de Jaray's lawsuit claims her life, reputation, fortune and future were critically damaged by the actions of Canadian government officials in an investigation that resulted in criminal charges, which were later dismissed.

    Her statement of claim filed in August says federal officials acted deliberately and maliciously in order to make an example of de Jaray because of pressure coming from the U.S. State Department to crack down on terrorist activity and create more prosecutions related to illegal exports.

    A court in the United States granted the British Columbia woman's application to dismiss a similar legal action in the United States before she filed the lawsuit in Canada.

    A statement issued by de Jaray through her lawyer says she and her family suffered years of fear and anxiety over accusations that were baseless.

    The Canadian government has not filed a response to the civil claim.

    The lawsuit names the Attorney General of Canada as the defendant. The Justice Department referred requests for comment to the Canada Border Services Agency, which said it is reviewing the lawsuit and it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.

    None of the allegations contained in the statement of claim have been proven in court.

    De Jaray is a former co-owner and executive of Apex USA, once a multimillion-dollar subsidiary of electronics maker Apex Canada, which her father founded.

    She has alleged she suffered years of baseless investigation on both sides of the border after the Canadian government told the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2009 that it had intercepted a shipment of illegal, weapons-grade electronics from Apex — a claim later revealed to be false.

    All criminal charges against de Jaray and her father were stayed in 2011. The charges were eventually dismissed.

    De Jaray's written statement says there has been no repercussions for the federal government over her treatment, the loss of her home in the United States, or the loss of confidence to pursue her career.

    "I have been left for dead," she says.

    "I suffer from debilitating flashbacks and severe emotional trauma that I have and will continue to spend years in an arduous attempt to manage."

    The statement of claim argues the federal government is liable for damages for violating her charter rights, malicious prosecution and infliction of nervous shock.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Officials Plan B.C. Wildfire Evacuation Centre Closure, As Fires Still Rage

    Officials Plan B.C. Wildfire Evacuation Centre Closure, As Fires Still Rage
    KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Social services officials in British Columbia's southern Interior hope at least one large centre for wildfire evacuees can be closed this weekend, despite warnings that the wildfire season in the province isn't over.

    Officials Plan B.C. Wildfire Evacuation Centre Closure, As Fires Still Rage

    New Brunswick Man Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting Girl Sues Her Family For Brutal Beating

    New Brunswick Man Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting Girl Sues Her Family For Brutal Beating
    The man's lawyer, David Lutz, says it was not up to the girl's family or other vigilantes to punish the man — that's the job of the courts.

    New Brunswick Man Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting Girl Sues Her Family For Brutal Beating

    Complaints About N.S. Judge Who Said 'A Drunk Can Consent' Will Be Investigated

    Complaints About N.S. Judge Who Said 'A Drunk Can Consent' Will Be Investigated
    Justice Michael MacDonald issued a statement Thursday saying a three-member review committee will look into allegations of misconduct against Judge Gregory Lenehan.

    Complaints About N.S. Judge Who Said 'A Drunk Can Consent' Will Be Investigated

    Toronto's Deputy Mayor Under Fire For Saying City Planner 'Should Stick To The Knitting'

    Toronto's Deputy Mayor Under Fire For Saying City Planner 'Should Stick To The Knitting'
    Toronto's deputy mayor is coming under fire for comments he made about the city's outgoing chief planner, which critics are calling sexist.

    Toronto's Deputy Mayor Under Fire For Saying City Planner 'Should Stick To The Knitting'

    Tory MPP Apologizes For Comments About Wynne After Lawyers Warn Of Possible Lawsuit

    TORONTO — A Conservative member of the Ontario legislature is apologizing to Premier Kathleen Wynne for comments made in a radio interview after the premier's lawyers warned he could face a defamation lawsuit.

    Tory MPP Apologizes For Comments About Wynne After Lawyers Warn Of Possible Lawsuit

    Canada Faces Potentially Uncontrolled Influx Of 'Dreamers' From U.S.

    Canada Faces Potentially Uncontrolled Influx Of 'Dreamers' From U.S.
    President Donald Trump's threat to end protections for those who entered the U.S. illegally as children could spark a new wave of immigration and asylum requests, some analysts warn.

    Canada Faces Potentially Uncontrolled Influx Of 'Dreamers' From U.S.